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Audi had kindly arranged for us an A6 3.0 TDI quattro for our stay in Munich. Having driven more than 1,000km in it over just three days, we were convinced that the oil burning 3.0 TDI is the A6 model to have.

In Germany, Audi offers several versions of the A6 with a 3-litre TDI diesel engine. Entry-level A6 3.0 TDI models feature front-wheel drive and just over 200bhp. The mid-range 3.0 TDI variant and the model we drove in Germany was the 245bhp 3.0 TDI quattro with a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission. In addition to the 245bhp model, Audi recently introduced a new range topping 3.0 TDI model powered by its new biturbo 300bhp oil burning 3-litre V6.

The 245bhp 3.0 TDI offers superb performance thanks to the perfect combination of the punchy diesel lump and the brilliantly fast S-Tronic box. With 500Nm of twisting force available from 1400rpm, the diesel bent-six is extremely tractable in any given situation. On derestricted sections of the Autobahn, the speedometer nudged past 220km/h, a speed that is a cinch for the 2967cc V6 to haul the A6 up to. Audi quotes a 0-100km/h of 6.1 seconds but the numbers certainly don’t do justice in the effortless way the A6 accelerates up to speed on the Autobahn. Top speed is rated at 250km/h but the car we drove had a limited 240km/h as it was on winter tyres. Despite its effortless performance, the TDI lump proved to be extremely prudent with its diesel consumption as well. It averaged an impressive 7.2 litres per 100km despite some spirited driving along the ay – brilliant indeed when diesel is so expensive in Europe that it cost us 88 euros to fill up the A6 once again to the brim on one occasion!

The harder compound winter tyres typically emit more noise than ‘normal’ tyres but the A6’s cabin remains quiet and refined no matter what the speed is. The excellent ride is further compounded by the optional air suspension fitted on the car. At speeds above 160km/h, the A6 feels surefooted, stable and is hardly affected by crosswinds as well. The steering and brakes also inspires confidence at very high speeds. Obviously, knowing that you have quattro underneath helps further boost confidence when driving in deepest winter.

The car was fully loaded with kit like the wonderfully accurate sat nav that has a camera to read speed limit signs, night vision as well as adaptive cruise control, which proved to be useful for long drives on the Autobahns.

The A6 3.0 TDI quattro’s effortless pace, superb fuel economy, refined nature, excellent ride and surefooted road holding certainly made it a painless way to drive.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Audi, BMW and Raymond Lai